User interface to facilitate exchanging files among processor-based devices

ABSTRACT

A first processor-based device (PBD), such as a personal computer functioning as a host and containing digital media files, may share a selected file with a second PBD. Media file-sharing may be facilitated by an automated technique including graphical user interfaces (GUIs). In one embodiment, when a device user wishes to transfer a file to another device, the user hovers the file over a particular desktop icon and drops it, causing it to be automatically transmitted to a corresponding destination. Optionally, in response to hovering, a software program automatically generates a GUI indicating potential destinations. The user then selects a destination, and the system automatically transfers the file to that destination. In another embodiment, media sharing can be initiated from a digital appliance, such as a digital picture frame, and a file can be sent to another PBD, such as another digital picture frame via an intermediary PBD.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is related to the following applications whichwere assigned to the same assignee as the present application and werefiled on even date herewith:

(1) Ser. No. 10/228,829, entitled “Apparatus and Methods to ExchangeMenu Information Among Processor-Based Devices”;

(2) Ser. No. 10/229,373, entitled “Network of Disparate Processor-BasedDevices to Exchange and Display Media Files”; and

(3) Ser. No. 10/228,827, entitled “Apparatus and Methods to Select andAccess Displayed Objects”.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to the transferand routing of digital media and, more particularly, to a user interfaceto facilitate exchanging media files among processor-based devices, andto methods related thereto.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Computing devices, such as personal computers (PCs), are widespreadwithin the fabric of current communications networks at every level,from in-home networks to global networks like the Internet and theWorld-Wide Web (“WWW”). Digital media files of many types, includingpictures, video, audio, greeting cards, animations, games, artwork,music compositions, x-rays, scanned documents, software programs, andthe like are frequently transmitted between computing devices.

In a variety of known examples, one processor-based device functioningas a host may communicate wirelessly or via a cable with a less fullyfeatured processor-based device that may be referred to herein as a“processor-based appliance”, a “digital appliance”, an “electronicappliance”, or simply an “appliance”. An example is a chat padwirelessly communicating with a PC. Another example is a processor-basedtelephone communicating telephone call information with aprocessor-based device that acts as a host. Other examples include apersonal digital assistant (PDA) or a digital music player that maywirelessly communicate with a PC.

However, to handle, file, and transfer digital media files, asubstantial amount of user involvement may be required. Often, acomputer user will find operations involving a digital media file sofrustrating that he or she will quit trying to use a particular digitalmedia file or even forego using all digital media files. This isparticularly true for operations involving transferring or forwarding adigital media file to another processor-based device, such as emailing adigital photo to a friend, transmitting a digital photo to a digitalpicture frame (DPF) (discussed in greater detail in the “DetailedDescription of Embodiments of the Invention”), downloading an audio fileto a personal entertainment device like an MP3 (Moving Picture ExpertsGroup, audio layer 3) audio player, and the like.

For example, a computer user may receive a video postcard attached to anemail and want to display it on his digital picture frame in anotherroom, or he may want to download an MP3 file to his MP3 audio player. Hetypically must open additional applications and follow an involved andoften non-intuitive series of steps to move the digital media file tothe proper file folder, where the appropriate media manager software canfind it and include it in subsequent downloads. It is time-consuming,inconvenient, and frustrating to operate in the current manner. LessPC-literate consumers often experience difficulty in finding files theydownload from email and are not able to find and forward such files topeople operating other processor-based devices.

For example, to share a digital media file with a buddy via electronicmail, the user must open an electronic mail application, create a newelectronic mail message, address the electronic mail message, rememberthe location of the file to attach and its potentially obscure filesystem name, attach the desired media file, think of something to say tothe recipient, and send the message. Thus, simply handling andtransferring files exceeds the level of sophistication of many likelysystem users.

In general, many media transfer operations on processor-based devicesare time-consuming and inconvenient. These operations may besufficiently tedious that they may significantly decrease the user'senjoyment and utilization of the processor-based device.

There is a wide variation in resources among processor-based devices,ranging from full-featured computing systems to very basicprocessor-based devices.

Examples of processor-based devices having relatively limited featuresinclude a variety of digital appliances. Such appliances typically havereduced processing and storage resources compared with typical PCs. Afew examples of such processor-based devices include a digital pictureframe, a digital music player, a PDA, Internet-capable cellulartelephones, and the like.

A digital picture frame (also referred to herein as a “DPF”) is aprocessor-based device that includes a display for displaying digitalpictures. A DPF may be used like a conventional picture frame to displaypictures, such as pictures of family and friends and the like. However,with a DPF, the pictures may be changed and displayed digitally.

A number of DPFs are known in the art, including DPFs that arecommercially available from Sony Corporation of America, New York City,N.Y.; Digi-Frame Inc., Port Chester, N.Y.; Ceiva Logic, Inc., Burbank,Calif.; and Eastman Kodak Company, Rochester, N.Y. DPFs may also bereferred to in the art as electronic picture frames, Internet frames, orsmart frames.

In known DPFs, two basic types of image file handling are used. In onetype, pictures can be input from a digital camera or PC, and thepictures are conveyed into and out of the DPF on a removable memoryelement or device, such as a memory card, MemoryStick™ device,SmartMedia device, or the like.

In the second type, the DPF can periodically download pictures over amodem from the Internet into a local memory for display. In addition,some DPFs are also capable of uploading pictures via the Internet to adedicated server. When an Internet appliance connection service isprovided today, the user must pay a monthly subscription fee.

In the field of DPFs, there is significant competitive pressure amongmanufacturers to increase the performance of their equipment. As marketforces drive DPF manufacturers to produce DPFs with increasedperformance, DPF architectures and feature sets accordingly need tosupport the increased performance expectations.

Thus, there is a need for better ways to transfer media informationbetween processor-based devices including, but not limited to,appliances such as a DPF.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of equipment, including a processor-basedappliance such as a digital picture frame, and a host computer, toimplement one or more embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a processor-based appliance in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a wireless remote control shown in FIG. 1,in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a host computer that is coupled to a localnetwork and/or a wide-area network, and that implements one or moreembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a network comprising a server, a pluralityof hosts, and a plurality of processor-based devices, DPFs, or otherappliances, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a depiction of a computer desktop showing a plurality of photothumbnails and a pointer or cursor hovering over a desktop drop spot, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a depiction of a routing target menu of the computer desktopillustrated in FIG. 6 after a photo image has been dragged and droppedonto a desktop drop spot, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method to route amedia file via a desktop shortcut, in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIGS. 9A and 9B together constitute a flow diagram illustrating anexemplary method for a computer user to route a file via a desktopshortcut, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method to route oneor more media files from an appliance to a destination processor-baseddevice in a network via an intermediary processor-based device, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method for a host toupdate or synchronize with an appliance, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a network comprising a host and one ormore processor-based devices or appliances, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

In the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention,reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof,and in which is shown by way of illustration, but not of limitation,specific embodiments of the invention. These embodiments are describedin sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to understandand implement them, and it is to be understood that other embodimentsmay be utilized and that mechanical, chemical, structural, electrical,and procedural changes may be made without departing from the spirit andscope of the present disclosure. The following detailed description is,therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope ofembodiments of the present invention is defined only by the appendedclaims.

In embodiments of the present invention, processor-based devices such asDPFs may input and output media content files through a connection to ahost such as a PC. A host may facilitate exchange of digital mediacontent files across the host's Internet connection on behalf of theappliance, so that the appliance user need not pay for an additional feefor a separate appliance Internet service.

Further, an appliance user's experience in sharing digital media contentfiles is improved, by automating the repetitive and sometimes confusingtasks associated with file preparation, uploading, downloading, andfinding new files for viewing.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of equipment, including a processor-baseddevice such as a digital picture frame 10, and a host computer 20, toimplement one or more embodiments of the present invention.Processor-based appliance 10 and host computer 20 and are both examplesof processor-based devices.

The computing equipment shown in FIG. 1 is merely one example in whichembodiments of the present invention can be used. In one example, adigital media file can be routed from a host computer 20 to a DPF 10 orother processor-based device. Elsewhere in the “Detailed Description ofEmbodiments of the Invention” is described how a digital media file canbe routed from a host computer to another host computer.

Host computer (also referred to herein simply as “host”) 20 may be orinclude a personal computer 24. Host 20 may include a screen or display22 in accordance with one embodiment. Host 20 may include one or moreremovable media slots, such as floppy disk slot 25 and memory card slot26. Host 20 may also include a keyboard 27, a pointing device such asmouse 28, and/or any other element that permits an appliance user toinput information into and receive information from host 20. Host 20 mayinclude one or more loudspeakers 29.

Processor-based appliance 10 comprises a housing 11 and an optionalscreen or display 12. Display 12 displays any type of visuallyperceivable images, including text, graphics, and still or movingpictures. Processor-based appliance 10, in one embodiment, canoptionally be coupled via a wire or cable 7 to an auxiliary display 5having a screen or display 6, and having other user interface elements,such as controls, loudspeakers, and so forth. Auxiliary display 5 couldbe a television, computer monitor, or any other equipment that issuitable to render visual and/or audio media. In one embodiment,auxiliary display 5 is used with a low-cost processor-based appliance 10that has no display 12. In another embodiment, auxiliary display 5 canprovide features not provided on the processor-based appliance 10. Forexample, auxiliary display 5 can be a large-screen TV or high-definitionTV.

Processor-based appliance 10 comprises suitable human interface elementswith which an appliance user can input information into processor-basedappliance 10 and receive information from processor-based appliance 10.

“Suitable”, as used herein, means having characteristics that aresufficient to produce the desired result(s). Suitability for theintended purpose can be determined by one of ordinary skill in the artusing only routine experimentation.

Thus, processor-based appliance 10 can comprise one or more controls 8.Alternatively, on-screen touch-sensitive buttons (not shown) could beused. In one embodiment, appliance 10 is controlled by a wireless remotecontrol 15 having one or more control buttons 16. Appliance 10 caninclude one or more loudspeakers 9.

Processor-based appliance 10, in one embodiment, is optionally supportedin an upright configuration by a stand 13. Processor-based appliance 10may be coupled to a suitable wall power outlet by a power cord 14;alternatively, processor-based appliance 10 could be operated usingbattery-supplied power.

Processor-based appliance 10, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1,communicates wirelessly and bi-directionally with host 20; however, inother embodiments, processor-based appliance 10 could be coupled viawire or cable to host 20.

In one embodiment, host 20 communicates with processor-based appliance10 using radio frequency signals, for example, in accordance with theBluetooth specification (Specification of the Bluetooth System, Version1.1, Feb. 22, 2001), the 802.11 specification (IEEE Standard 802.11available from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers,New York, N.Y.), a Wireless Fidelity (“Wi-Fi”) protocol, or the like.Similarly, the remote control 15 may use any available wireless protocolto communicate with processor-based appliance 10. The communication maybe made via a suitable infrared protocol. Typically, processor-basedappliance 10 communicates with host 20 via a high bandwidthcommunications link, whereas processor-based appliance 10 communicateswith remote control 15 using a low bandwidth link.

By using wireless communications between host 20 and processor-basedappliance 10, a user of processor-based appliance 10 can convenientlyroam within a reasonable distance of host 20, e.g. within the user'shome.

In one embodiment, host 20 and processor-based appliance 10 are eachassigned a unique 48-bit identifier (ID) to uniquely identify them. Host20 and processor-based appliance 10 can communicate with each other bytransmitting packets, using a suitable protocol. Alternatively, theycould communicate in any other suitable manner.

Other types of computing devices could be substituted for host 20. Suchdevices may take the form of a laptop or hand-held computer, forexample. The substantive difference between host 20 and processor-basedappliance 10 is primarily one of relative computational resources, aswill be explained in greater detail regarding FIG. 17 below. In general,host 20 tends to have greater memory and/or processing resources thanprocessor-based appliance 10.

Other types of processor-based devices or appliances 10 could besubstituted for the DPF illustrated in FIG. 1. Without limitation, suchalternative processor-based appliances 10 could include any device thatcan play back visual and/or audio information. For example, such adevice may take the form of an Internet appliance, a hand-held computer,a laptop computer, a wireless communications device (e.g., cellularphone, 2-way pager, etc.), a personal entertainment device (e.g. aradio), audio-visual equipment, a personal digital assistant, anelectronic book, and the like.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the host 20may store a large number of digital pictures. These pictures may betransmitted under certain conditions to the processor-based appliance 10for display on the display 12. In some embodiments, the display 12displays, for variable periods of time, various pictures creating adigital slideshow on the DPF. In some cases, the pictures that aredisplayed on the display 12 are automatically varied with time of dayand day of year or other change criteria. Thus, the picture display 12of the processor-based appliance 10 may be periodically varied andupdated to display a variety of images.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a gallery ofdigital pictures is provided at periodic intervals to theprocessor-based appliance 10. In one embodiment, a predetermined number(e.g., 40) of digital pictures may be provided each day over a wirelesslink to the processor-based appliance 10. The processor-based appliance10 may then store those pictures in its memory (e.g. memory 31, FIG. 2)and may make those pictures available for display on the display 12, orthe processor-based appliance 10 may automatically successively displaythose pictures in a slide show. In the next periodic interval, thepictures that are stored on the processor-based appliance memory may beoverwritten or, if the memory capacity is sufficient, new pictures maybe stored in addition to the previous interval's pictures.

However, rather than store the entire library of available pictures onthe processor-based appliance 10, it may be advantageous in someembodiments to maintain the bulk of the available picture gallery on thehost 20. This enables the processor-based appliance 10 to carry lessstorage capacity, decreasing costs in some embodiments. In addition, theneed to wirelessly communicate a large amount of data between the host20 and the processor-based appliance 10 may be reduced.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a processor-based appliance 10 inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The blockdiagram of FIG. 2 represents just one exemplary embodiment of aprocessor-based appliance 10. In this example, processor-based appliance10 comprises a DPF. Processor-based appliance 10 comprises a suitableprocessor 30.

As used herein, “processor” means any type of computational circuit suchas, but not limited to, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a complexinstruction set computing (CISC) microprocessor, a reduced instructionset computing (RISC) microprocessor, a very long instruction word (VLIW)microprocessor, a graphics processor, a digital signal processor (DSP),or any other type of processor or processing circuit. The term alsoincludes embedded controllers, such as Generic or Programmable LogicDevices or Arrays, Application Specific Integrated Circuits, single-chipcomputers, and the like.

A visual display renderer 17, which can include all suitable circuitryfor converting digital information into human-perceivable visual form,is coupled to processor 30. An optional sound reproduction element oraudio renderer 18, which can include all suitable circuitry forconverting digital information into human-perceivable audio form, isalso coupled to processor 30. A suitable user input element 8, such asone or more control knobs, on-screen touch-sensitive buttons, or thelike is also coupled to processor 30.

A first interface (I/F) 34, having an antenna 39, is coupled toprocessor 30. I/F 34 is used to interface processor-based appliance 10wirelessly with a suitable wireless interface (not shown) of host 20.

A second interface (I/F) 35 is coupled to processor 30. I/F 35 is usedto interface processor-based appliance 10 wirelessly to remote control15 (refer to FIG. 1 or 3).

Still referring to FIG. 2, a memory 31 is coupled to processor 30.Memory 31 can be any suitable memory device(s) like read only memory(ROM); random access memory (RAM); hard drive; removable media drive forhandling compact disks (CDs), digital video disks (DVDs), diskettes,magnetic tape cartridges, memory cards, MemoryStick™ devices,SmartMedia™ devices, and other types of data storage; or the like.

Memory 31 can comprise digital content 32 and software 33. Content 32can include images (both still and moving), text, audio, and any othertypes of digital content.

Software 33 can include one or more suitable software programs. Forexample, software 33 can include suitable operating system (O/S)software, one or more software applications, and any other types ofsoftware as required to perform the operational requirements ofprocessor-based appliance 10.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a wireless remote control 15 shown in FIG.1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The remotecontrol 15 may comprise a processor 36 to control its operation.

Remote control 15 further comprises an interface (I/F) 37 that iscoupled to processor 36. I/F 37 communicates with I/F 35 ofprocessor-based appliance 10 (refer to FIG. 2).

Still referring to FIG. 3, remote control 15 further comprises asuitable user input 16, e.g. in the form of one or more control buttons(refer to FIG. 1).

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a host computer 40 that is coupled to alocal network 64 and/or a wide-area network 65, and that implements oneor more embodiments of the present invention. Host 40 can be similar toor identical to host 20 illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 and the following discussion provide a brief, general descriptionof a suitable computing environment in which certain embodiments of thepresent invention may be implemented.

Thus, an exemplary host 40 comprises a computing device, a computingmachine, a data processing system, or the like. Host 40 is merely oneexample of a computing system with which embodiments of the presentinvention can be used.

Host 40 comprises a system bus 42 to couple the various components ofthe system. System bus 42 provides communications links among thevarious components of host 40 and can be implemented as a single bus, asa combination of busses, or in any other suitable manner.

Coupled to bus 42 are typically one or more processors 44, a screen ordisplay 46, and one or more data entry or selection elements 48 such asa keyboard, mouse, trackball, joy stick, touch-sensitive screen, or thelike.

Also coupled to bus 42 is a memory 50, which can include any suitablememory device(s) like read only memory (ROM); random access memory(RAM); hard drive; removable media drive for handling compact disks(CDs), digital video disks (DVDs), diskettes, magnetic tape cartridges,memory cards, MemoryStick™ devices, SmartMedia™ devices, and other typesof data storage; or the like.

Additional elements may also be coupled to bus 42 such as a modem 52, anetwork interface unit 54, one or more loudspeakers 56, and othersuitable devices 58.

Host 40 can also include a plurality of types of software programs. Forexample, host 40 can comprise software 60 that includes a basicinput/output system (BIOS), operating system (O/S) software, one or moresoftware applications, and any other types of software as required toperform the operational requirements of host 40.

Host 40 can also include a plurality of types of digital content 62. Forexample, host 40 can comprise digital content 62 that includes images(both still and moving), text, audio, computer software, and any othertypes of digital content.

Host 40 can operate in a networked environment using physical and/orlogical connections to local network 64 and/or wide area network (WAN)65. The connections to these networks can be wired and/or wireless.

Local network 64 can comprise any number or type of computing devices,such as a DPF 66, digital appliance 67, or any other processor-baseddevice 68 such as those mentioned elsewhere herein.

WAN 65 can be any type of network that is greater in scope than localnetwork 64. In one embodiment, WAN 65 comprises a global communicationsnetwork, such as the Internet. In another embodiment, WAN 65 couldcomprise an intranet.

Embodiments of the invention may be implemented in conjunction withprogram modules, including functions, procedures, data structures,application programs, etc. for performing tasks, or defining abstractdata types or low-level hardware contexts. Program modules may be storedin memory 50 and associated storage media, e.g., hard drives, floppydisks, optical storage, magnetic cassettes, tapes, flash memory cards,MemoryStick™ devices, SmartMedia™ devices, digital video disks, chemicalstorage, and/or biological storage. Program modules may be deliveredover transmission environments, including networks 64 and 65, in theform of packets, serial data, parallel data, propagated signals, or anyother suitable form. Program modules may be used in a compressed orencrypted format, and they may be used in a distributed environment andstored in local and/or remote memory, for access by single andmulti-processor machines, or any other type of host 40.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a network 100 comprising a server 134, aplurality of hosts 20A-20B, and a plurality of processor-based devices,DPFs or other appliances 10A-10D, in accordance with one embodiment ofthe present invention. Network 100 can be the Internet or anothernetwork of any type.

Coupled to network 100 are a first host 20A and a second host 20B, eachof which can be like host 40 illustrated in FIG. 4. Host 20A has severalappliances 10A-10B coupled to it via wireless communications links130A-130B, respectively. Host 20B has appliances 10C-10D coupled to itvia a wireless link 130C and a wired link 130D, respectively. Whilewireless links are shown for some appliances, and wired links are shownfor others, the type of communications link is not at all critical, andany suitable type of link may be utilized. Appliances may be continuallyconnected to their host or sporadically connected. Methods for managingsporadically connected appliances are described in Related Application(2).

Also coupled to network 100 is a server 134 that includes a storageelement 136, which has an internal media file database 138 serving as arepository of digital media files. Hosts 20A-20B and appliances 10A-10Dcan likewise store digital media files. In one embodiment, server 134enables image sharing among users of hosts 20A-20B and of appliances10A-10D. The server 134 manages routing among the various elements ofnetwork 100, including hosts 20A-20B and appliances 10A-10D.

The term “buddy”, as used herein, refers to a person on a list ofcorrespondents that may be maintained on the user's processor-baseddevice or host, for example. A “buddy list” is known in the art as acolloquial term for a computer-based address book that manages names andnetwork (e.g. Internet) addresses. Network addresses can include e-mailaccounts, Instant Messaging accounts, and so forth.

It is useful to have buddy lists on appliances as well, to facilitatethe exchange of digital media content files. In some cases, an appliancebuddy list may simply be a user-selected subset of a more complete buddylist on a host. In other instances, a buddy list may be automaticallypopulated with buddies with whom messages have been exchanged in thepast.

A buddy list for digital content media sharing may also include Internetaccount addresses for other users' digital appliances as well as theirexisting Internet accounts.

For example, in an embodiment where the appliances 10A-10D are digitalpicture frames, a user may download an image from a digital camera ontoa host, such as host 20A. The user may wish to send the image to familymembers' appliances 10C-10D. To do so, the user may locate the images,typically visually, displayed within a file browser such as WindowsExplorer or an imaging application. The user may select the images tosend and may then initiate a background routing application to assistwith of all of the intermediate steps. This will be explained later ingreater detail regarding FIG. 6.

Also, as will be explained in greater detail regarding FIG. 7 below,once a sharing application has launched, the user may also select, forexample from a popup buddy list, those buddies who are desiredrecipients of the selected images. The user may then operate a sendbutton or other control element to indicate confirmation to launch theprocess. Application software described hereinafter automates the restof the image transfer and delivery, causing the images to appear on theappliances 10A-10D (FIG. 5) of the designated recipients following theirrespective hosts' next Internet access.

Still referring to FIG. 5, an appliance user can alternatively shareimages currently being displayed on any appliance 10A-10D. Fromappliance 10A, for example, while viewing an image on appliance 10A, theuser may decide to share the image with a recipient or buddy usingappliance 10C, for example. Via the user interface of appliance 10A, theuser can select the sharing operation. The user may then select therecipient from a list, and he may be asked to indicate confirmation (notshown) to complete the request. The appliance processor relays therequest containing an identifier for the selected image, as well as anidentifier for the recipient, to host 20A. Host 20A can connect with theInternet 100 using an established Internet service provider link. Theimage is earmarked for the designated recipient and is uploaded toserver 134.

Application software on the recipient's host 20B causes host 20B toregularly check in with the server 134. The newly sent image isauthenticated and downloaded to a directory on the host 20B forsubsequent scheduled delivery to the recipient's appliance 10C.

To the recipient at appliance 10C, images from authorized friends andfamily simply appear on the appliance 10C without any effort in someembodiments. Thus, the amount of effort for users to share digitalimages may be reduced, enabling users to freely share images in anautomated fashion using their existing Internet service provider. Nophone lines need be dedicated to the appliances 10A-10D, and theappliances 10A-10D need not be constantly connected to a telephone linein some embodiments.

An application software program 60 residing on the host (FIG. 4)automates the host side of the sharing process, and it may include anumber of sub-processes in some embodiments. A complementary softwareprogram residing on the server (134, FIG. 5) automates the server sideof the sharing process, and it may also include a number ofsub-processes in some embodiments.

These sub-processes may include a user registration sub-process. Theuser registration sub-process involves setting up an account on theserver 134 (referring once again to FIG. 5) and establishing the user asa sharing system participant. This also causes the server 134 to reserveresources such as short-term image storage space for the user.

Another sub-process is target location. Target location involvesdetermining whether the recipient is registered with the server orshould be contacted through a conventional Internet account. Buddies whoare registered with the server are further evaluated to determinewhether they have registered an appliance 10A-10D. If the targetrecipients are located within the registered group, digital contentshared with them will be automatically uploaded and downloaded. If thetarget recipients are not registered, the content shared with them willonly be automatically uploaded to ease the sharing burden for thesender.

Matching lists of all of a user's buddies may be stored on a host 20Aand/or 20B and in their appliances 10A-10D. A master list of allregistered users is maintained by the server 134.

The access control sub-process involves controlling access permissions.The user defines the authorized buddies whose image deliveries he wishesto have automatically routed through to his appliance. Non-authorizeddeliveries are not permitted to be delivered automatically.

The target selection sub-process involves supporting the user selectionof a media recipient.

The transmission sub-process implements the physical process oftransmitting content to the server 134, which content is then routed tothe assigned target(s), which may be recipients' appliances.

The receipt sub-process implements the physical act of downloadingcontent intended for a user's appliance.

The user registration sub-process may begin, in one embodiment, with theinstallation of software 33 (FIG. 2) in an appliance 10A-10D (FIG. 5).The software 33 couples the user's appliance to a server in network 100.The first time a user's appliance connects with the server, aregistration function may be performed, for example, by server 134 or byanother server (not shown) in network 100. The registration functionrecords information regarding the user's appliance to allow others tolocate the user's appliance. The registration function also creates theinformation objects required to support the image content for eachappliance owned by that user. The function also reserves resources suchas short-term image storage space for the user's appliance and enablesusers to authorize sharing permissions.

Additionally, in some embodiments, each time another appliance isinstalled, the associated host 20A-20B (referring once again to FIG. 5)may connect to the registration server to update the host records andregister the new appliance.

After the initial registration is complete, the installation process maycontinue in some embodiments with the setup of a sharing buddy list. Theuser may be asked to initialize the sharing buddy list withacquaintances the user intends to exchange media files with. This listof buddies is retained locally in the user's host, e.g. host 20A, and acopy of the buddy list is also sent to the associated appliance 10A-10B.In other embodiments, a copy of the buddy list could also be forwardedto appliances 10C-10D associated with another host 20B, and in doing so,ease the setup process for a group of associated users, such as afriends and family sharing circle.

For a user on appliance 10A, for example, his or her buddies' electronicmail addresses and, if available, their appliances, e.g. appliances10B-10D, may be incorporated in the sharing buddy list. In oneembodiment, once buddies are selected by a user's appliance (and by theuser's host's notifying server 134), an electronic mail messagegenerated by server 134 may invite buddies to register with the sharingservice. If they register, they too can take advantage of the mediafile-sharing system. Buddies who choose not to register with the mediasharing system may receive media files as attachments to automaticallygenerated electronic mail messages. Buddies who do choose to registerare provided the software to interface with the sharing Web server 134,and to perform periodic checks for new image files, and a folder is setup for saving newly received images.

At each initialization of application software (e.g. software 60, FIG.4) of a host 20A or 20B, or at specific intervals, the host may connectto the Web server 134 (FIG. 5) to see whether any new media files areawaiting download. System maintenance tasks may also be performed duringperiodic host-server connections. Such maintenance tasks can includeretrieval of host or appliance software updates, and a scan to seewhether any of the unregistered buddies have registered with the sharingservice. If so, the buddy list may be updated in a suitable manner toreflect this participation. Such information is maintained by thesystem, transparently to the user in some embodiments. This may be doneso that the user does not have to be concerned about whether someone hasactually registered or not.

Additionally, each user of an appliance 10A-10D may specify who isallowed to send file content directly to that user's appliance 10A-10D.As there are numerous nefarious Internet spammers, it may be desirablethat access control be expressly granted. The user may select buddiesfrom a buddy list to be granted trusted status, enabling those selectedbuddies to send content in a trusted manner. The permission lists may besynchronized with the server 134 in a host-server connection session.

To share a file with a buddy, for example, from an appliance 10A-10D,the user may simply select the “share” button on the remote control,while viewing the desired file. The appliance may then display theuser's buddy list. Then the user may select a buddy and may indicate aconfirmation to execute the sending. The share request is relayed to thehost 20A or 20B with the selected file and recipient information, andthe host 20A or 20B delivers the content to the server 134. At theserver 134, the information is processed for distribution to theindicated recipient(s) according to any access rules on the recipient'saccount. If the recipient is not a registered user, then the server 134simply generates a message, e.g. an email, attaches the file, and sendsit to the recipient. Each registered recipient's permissions may acceptor reject the file. If the file is accepted, it is put into the server'sstorage to await retrieval.

When the recipient's host software periodically connects with the server134 to check for new content and detects that a file is waiting, therecipient's host software begins an automated download session. The fileis placed in a temporary storage in host 20A or 20B and may be relayedto the recipient's appliance 10A, 10B, 10C, or 10D on its nextsynchronization or update cycle from the associated host 20A or 20B. Thehost update of an appliance is discussed below regarding FIG. 11.

File-sharing can also be initiated by the user from the host desktop, aswill now be explained with reference to FIGS. 6-7.

FIG. 6 is a depiction of a computer desktop 200 showing a plurality ofphoto thumbnails 204 and a pointer or cursor 210 hovering over a desktopdrop spot 220, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention. Computer desktop 200 is merely one example of a graphicaluser interface (GUI) that could be used to implement embodiments of thepresent invention. A “thumbnail image” is a miniature version of animage that can be used for quick browsing through a plurality of images.

Computer desktop 200 is a representation of how current PC operatingsystems, such as Microsoft Windows™ Millennium Edition™, Windows 2000™,Windows XP™, and the like, may display photo images or photo thumbnails204 contained within a selected file folder containing a plurality ofcorresponding photo files. The aforementioned operating systems areavailable from Microsoft Inc. of Redmond, Wash. A list 202 of folderscan appear at any suitable location on the desktop. In thisillustration, the user has opened the folder entitled “Best of Europe”and chosen to view the photo files contained therein as photothumbnails.

In known host GUI's, each photo thumbnail is displayed with anassociated filename identifier (ID) in the form of an alpha-numeric IDlocated beneath the corresponding photo thumbnail 204. Some currentdigital cameras automatically assign a sequential file ID to each imagefile as it is captured, but finding the desired image using only thenumerical filename in image sharing tasks has proven time-consuming forhost users. The addition of a photo thumbnail 204 has been popular withusers.

Images can be stored in a computer from many different sources,including downloading from a digital camera or memory element coupled tothe computer, downloaded from an email, or transferred to the computervia another image transfer mechanism.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 6, the user has selected one specificphoto image 206 for transfer to a desired target, which can be theuser's own or a buddy's processor-based device, such as an appliance,another host, a Web photo server, or the like.

In one embodiment, the user simply selects photo image thumbnail 206 anddrags it to a unique location or specific icon on the host desktop,referred to as a desktop “drop spot” 220. The drop spot 220 can be anicon located at any suitable place on the desktop, such as in the systemtray at the bottom of the screen or among other application icons on thedesktop. Alternatively, the drop spot 220 could be integrated with thefile explorer window located close to the list 202 of folders, or thedrop spot 220 could be located in the menu area at the top of thescreen. The particular location of the drop spot 220 is not at allcritical. In FIG. 6, as thumbnail 206 is dragged across the desktop 200to the drop spot 220, a ghost image or border 214 may follow cursor 210.However, other alternative GUIs are also possible, including thosediscussed elsewhere herein.

More than one drop spot or shortcut icon can be used. For example,separate drop spots can be used for each different type of routingapplication to be invoked, such as one routing application to routemedia files to a DPF appliance, and another routing application to routemedia files to an MP3 player. In another embodiment, a separate dropspot could be used for each individual target. In a preferredembodiment, a consolidated drop spot could be used for multiple routingapplications. The routing application can determine the appropriatesub-group of targets based on the selected file's extension type. Forexample, “.JPG” file-extension types would normally be associated withDPF appliances and image-sharing buddy lists, while “.PDF”file-extension types would typically be associated with electronic bookappliances and sharing buddy lists.

When thumbnail 206 is selected, it may encircled by a border 212 toindicate that it has been selected or is receiving the user's focus.Many other embodiments are possible. For example, instead of the dragand drop operation to initiate auto media file-routing, the user couldright-click with the mouse, select “Send To” from a pop-up menu, andthen select his desired target from a subsequent pop-up menu. Anotherpossibility is to make the selections and initiate the drop spotapplication by voice commands. Many other embodiments are possible forcreating a desktop shortcut to enable a user to quickly and relativelyeffortlessly command the transfer of a desired media file to anotherprocessor-based device.

While the example of FIG. 6 illustrates how a photo file can beautomatically routed, embodiments of the present invention are not to beconstrued as limited to photo files, and any other type of digital mediafile, such as those mentioned elsewhere herein, can be transferred. Avisual representation of the digital media file, comparable to a photoimage 206, is used. For example, for an audio file the visualrepresentation could be a compact disc (CD) icon bearing the name of arecording artist.

FIG. 7 is a depiction of a routing target menu 230 of the computerdesktop 200 illustrated in FIG. 6 after a photo image 206 has beendragged and dropped onto a desktop drop spot 220, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention. In response to the user's drag anddrop action, a pop-up window with the target menu 230 can be displayedto the user, allowing the user to choose a desired target destinationfor the digital media file corresponding to the particular thumbnail206.

As one example, the routing target menu 230 comprises a digital pictureframe list 232 and a buddy list 236. The digital picture frame list 232is a list of digital picture frames that are coupled, either wired orwirelessly, to the user's host. The buddy list 236 is a list ofrecipient targets, and each recipient target can be associated with anInternet account and/or a registered appliance. The target list ismaintained by the user on the user's host and/or appliance(s).

In FIG. 7, the user has moved the cursor 210 down to the designation 234representing a digital picture frame in “Ann's Room”, causing the host'sGUI to display the designation 234 enclosed within a border, thusindicating to the user that this designation 234 has been focused on. Byselecting designation 234, the digital image associated with selectedthumbnail 206 will be sent to the desired target, which in this exampleis a digital picture frame in Ann's Room.

The foregoing example is merely one example of a suitable GUI by which adestination for a selected digital media file can be chosen by a user.Many alternative user interfaces can be implemented, given the teachingsof this “Detailed Description of Embodiments of the Invention”. In someembodiments, the user may select a plurality of names on the routingtarget menu 230, and all of those individuals or entities will receivethe selected digital media file.

In another possible embodiment, a user could first right-click on aphoto image 206, thus opening routing target menu 230, and the usercould select one or more entries on the routing target menu 230. Theuser could then send the desired digital image associated with selectedthumbnail 206 by clicking on a “Send” icon, by right-clicking, or by anyother suitable GUI action.

Entries for the routing list or routing menu 230 are added when thesharing application software is initialized, and the menu is augmentedwhen new appliances are registered with the host, or whenevercommunication with a new buddy is established.

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method 300 to route amedia file via a host desktop shortcut, in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention. In general, the method involves using adesktop shortcut to launch a file-routing application, displaying a listof potential destinations, and executing a destination choice, such assending a file to a processor-based device like an appliance orelectronically mailing or transmitting the file to a buddy's appliance.

In 302, a desktop shortcut is used to indicate that a particular file isto be sent. In this example, the particular file is dragged to and/orhovered over a desktop shortcut or drop spot, e.g. drop spot 220 inFIGS. 6-7.

In 304, a routing application is initiated or launched as a result ofthe action in 302.

In 306, the pathname of the digital image associated with the selectedthumbnail is noted for the particular thumbnail file that was selectedand dragged to and/or hovered over the desktop icon or drop spot.

In 308, a list of possible target destination choices is displayed, andthe user selects at least one of the possible targets. In oneembodiment, if a desired target does not appear on the list, the usermay manually enter a destination.

In 310, the user's selection of a target is read. If the choice is tosend the file to an appliance, the method goes to 312; if the choice isto send the file to a buddy, the method goes to 314.

In 312, an entry is created for the media file in an associateddownloader file folder. The file's pathname parameters are recorded, andrelated information such as a time stamp and the sender's name may alsobe included. Optionally, the media content file can be reformatted, andthe reformatted copy can be saved and noted into the downloader's entrylog. It is possible for the software to format outgoing files in adevice- and content-intelligent manner. The characteristics of varioustarget types can be incorporated into the formatting software for thispurpose.

Additionally, preferred formats for various targets can also beaccessed. For example, a user may wish to post a new baby picture ontothe family's DPF appliance. Prior to saving a megapixel resolutionimage, the software could down-sample it to match the capability of theappliance's display and convert it from a .BMP to a .JPG format.

Many other formatting examples can be imagined. For example, if a userwished to share the new baby picture with a friend, and to target thefriend's image-enabled cell phone as the appliance, a different finalimage resolution would be appropriate, as would possibly a differentfile format.

In 314, a new email message is generated to the selected buddy. Theselected media file, optionally reformatted, is attached to the emailmessage, and the message is sent to the selected buddy.

While the above embodiment describes sending a single file to a singledestination, in other embodiments it is possible to send more than onefile at a time to multiple destinations.

FIGS. 9A and 9B together constitute a flow diagram illustrating anexemplary method for a computer user to route a file via a desktopshortcut, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

In 402 the user finds a desired media file, on a host computer, that theuser desires to send to a destination. The destination can be any typeof processor-based device, such as an appliance, a buddy's computer orInternet telephone, or the like. As part of finding the desired mediafile, the user could focus on the file, e.g. by hovering a cursor overthe file.

In 404, the user selects the desired file by using a shortcut. In oneembodiment, the user drags an image, thumbnail, or icon of the desiredfile across the desktop and pastes it onto a desktop drop spot icon. Inone embodiment, the user can select multiple desired files, e.g. by“lassoing” them, and dragging the collection of desired files to thedesktop drop spot.

In 406, now that the file has been selected, a list of possibledestinations is displayed, e.g. in a pop-up window or other suitableGUI.

In 408, the user selects one or more destinations to receive the one ormore media files.

In 410, the host examines the format of the selected media file(s) andcompares the format to that of the selected destination(s). The host canstore information concerning the communication resources (e.g.bandwidth, etc.) and other characteristics or resources (e.g.resolution, memory size, processor type, type of display and/orrendering circuitry, etc.) of each destination. The host determineswhether the selected file(s) should be reformatted. If so, the methodgoes to 414; otherwise, it goes to 416.

In 414, the host reformats and/or resizes the media file(s) to match thecommunication, display, storage, and/or other requirements of theselected destination(s). The method then proceeds to 416.

In 416, the host determines whether the destination is local or remote,because in one embodiment files to be sent locally (e.g. to an appliancein local communication with the host) may be handled differently fromfiles to be sent to a buddy at another host. If local, the method goesto 418; if remote, the method goes to 420.

In 418, various information concerning the file(s) is stored into anincoming content folder for the selected appliance. Such information caninclude the filename(s), a pointer to each formatted file, and sent-byinformation to identify the file sender.

In 420, a message (e.g. an email) is created and sent to the remotehost. In one embodiment, the message is sent to a service providerand/or to a remote server. The message can contain relevant informationconcerning the file(s) and the destination(s). This information caninclude the filename(s), destination ID(s), the file(s) and sent-byinformation. The service provider and/or remote server subsequentlydispatches the file(s) to the desired destination(s).

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method 500 to routeone or more media files from an appliance to a destinationprocessor-based device in a network via an intermediary processor-baseddevice, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.Method 500 can be used, for example, when a user of an appliance desiresto send one or more media files to another user of an appliance, or toanother user operating a host, or to any computer coupled to the samenetwork.

In 502, an appliance user finds one or more media files that the userdesires to send to or share with another user in a network. The user canselect the desired one or more media files in any suitable manner,including using a desktop drop spot, as described elsewhere herein.

In 504, with the file having now been selected by the appliance user, alist of possible destinations, such as a buddy list, is presented to theappliance user.

In 506, the appliance user selects one or more buddies to send thefile(s) to.

In 508, the appliance sends the file(s) and the buddy destination(s) toa host computer with which the appliance is in communication. In oneexample, the appliance could be digital picture frame 10 (FIG. 1), andthe local host to which digital picture frame 10 is coupled could behost 20 (FIG. 1). In this example, the local host serves as anintermediary processor-based device.

Still referring to FIG. 10, in 510, the local host transmits the file(s)with a message to a network server. The network server could be anyserver in the network, e.g. server 134 (FIG. 5).

Still referring to FIG. 10, in 512, the server receives the message fromthe local host.

In 514, the server parses the message to determine various informationconcerning its origin, its destination, its associated file(s), etc. Theserver may perform security checks on the message.

In 516, the server checks whether the sender of the file(s) is a validsender for the destination device, e.g. a buddy's appliance. If thesender is valid, the method goes to 520; otherwise, it goes to 518,where the message content is discarded.

In 520, the server approves transmitting the file(s) for storage on ahost associated with the destination appliance. The destination host andassociated appliance(s) can be similar or identical to those shown inFIGS. 1 and 12 (discussed below),

In 522, before the file(s) are downloaded to the destination host, anoptional operation can check that certain conditions exist. For example,one condition could be that the recipient host has proper softwareloaded for handling the download. Another condition could be whether adownload timer has tripped.

In 524, the method checks whether there is new content in the file(s)that the server has approved for downloading to the destination host. Ifso, the method goes to 526; otherwise, the method returns to 522.

In 526, the content of the transmitted file(s) is downloaded to thelocal storage resource of the destination host.

In 528, the content of the transmitted file(s) is organized within thelocal storage of the destination host, e.g. a database of digital mediafiles.

In 530, a synchronize event occurs during which the destination hostdownloads the new content of the transmitted file(s) to the destinationappliance. This event typically occurs asynchronously at periodicdownload times or when the user of the destination appliance requestsit.

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method 600 for ahost to update or synchronize with an appliance, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention. As a result of synchronization, thehost updates the appliance with any menu or content item changesresiding on the host. Such updates can occur automatically or uponcommand from the host or appliance.

At 601, a determination is made whether a scheduled transmit time hasoccurred. If so, the method goes to 602; otherwise, it loops back to thebeginning of 601.

At 602, a determination is made whether the appliance is turned on andwithin range. If so, the method goes to 603; otherwise, it loops back tothe start of 601.

At 603, the host sends any updates to menu items, content items, orsupport items. Support items can include a new software or driverrelease to provide one or more functions or characteristics that theappliance did not previously have, or an updated version thereof.

A new function could be accompanied by a new menu item for display onthe appliance, e.g. a printing icon denoting a printing action that theuser can command to occur on a selected file at the host. The host candeliver a new menu template to support a new function or capability,thereby altering or expanding the feature set for the userautomatically. This capability overcomes many of the existinglimitations of product shipping readiness and competitiveness formanufacturers. The method exits at 805.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a network comprising a host computer 702and one or more processor-based devices or appliances 710, 712, and 714,in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Asillustrated in FIG. 12, a host 702 can communicate menu items andcontent items with one or more processor-based devices, such asappliances 710, 712, and 714.

Host 702 generally comprises greater resources, and/or larger and morefull-featured resources, than an individual processor-based appliance710, 712, or 714. For example, host 702 can include storage for alarge-content file repository that contains many digital media files ofany type. Host 702 can also include a file structure or system that isorganized by a host user. As one example, many personal computer usersuse the large storage capacity of their personal computers to storedigital media files, after downloading such files from the Internet,from digital cameras, or from other media players, or after receivingthem via email. Computer users typically establish a preferred,customized file hierarchy on their personal computers. Embodiments ofthe present invention offer significant flexibility in accommodatingcomputer users' pre-existing file hierarchies, thus providing anadvantage over other products that are incapable of doing so.

Host 702 can further comprise a large cache memory. Host 702 can alsoinclude fairly significant processing power to search for and reformatdigital content items, whether in its local memory or on a network suchas the Internet. Host 702 can also include a full-featured general userinterface (GUI), as well as a number of timers, schedulers, and otherapplication resources. Host 702 may also include a wirelesscommunications module, including for example a radio-frequency (RF) orinfra-red (IR) transceiver module.

In the example shown in FIG. 12, host 702 can communicate wirelesslywith processor-based device 710 and processor-based device 714 viawireless links 704 and 706, respectively. Host 702 can communicate via acable or wire 708 with processor-based device 712.

A processor-based device generally comprises fewer resources, and/orsmaller and less full-featured resources, than a host. For example,processor-based device 714 can include storage for a small-content filerepository that may contain a limited number of digital media files. Thefile system organization of processor-based device 714 can adapt to thatof the host, including the file names or labels of the host.Processor-based device 714 could have a small cache memory and onlysufficient processing power to render specific content types. Forexample, a DPF could have a processor that renders only digital photofiles. Processor-based device 714 could have a limited-feature GUI, aswell as a number of timers, schedulers, and other rather limitedapplication resources. Processor-based device 714 may also include awireless or wireline communications module or element, including forexample a radio-frequency (RF) or infra-red (IR) transceiver module orelement.

In a network or system comprising a host computer and at least oneprocessor-based appliance, resources can be optimally divided in asuitable division of labor and/or partitioning of responsibility. Forexample, in an embodiment where the host serves as a repository for alarge number of digital media files, the storage capacity of theprocessor-based appliances can be reduced to a reasonable capacity thatcan store a reasonable number of files, thus minimizing the cost andcomplexity of the processor-based appliances.

The operations described above with respect to the methods illustratedin FIGS. 8-11 can be performed in a different order from those describedherein. Also, it will be understood that while an “exit” block is shownin certain of the method figures, these methods can be performedcontinuously in a run-time environment.

Embodiments of the present invention enable the users of processor-baseddevices to exchange digital media files easily. Thus, users' enjoymentand utilization of processor-based devices can be significantlyenhanced, making such processor-based devices more commerciallydesirable.

In some embodiments, media files can be transferred from oneprocessor-based device to another using a simple desktop shortcut. Inone embodiment, for example, one or more desired media files can bedragged to a desktop drop spot and routed to one or more desiredrecipients anywhere, provided that the recipients' processor-baseddevices are communicatively coupled to the sender's processor-baseddevice.

In some embodiments, one or more media files can be transferred from oneappliance, such as a DPF, to another appliance anywhere, provided thatthe appliances are communicatively coupled via a network. In certainembodiments, the network can be the Internet.

By using the software-implemented methods of embodiments of the presentinvention, many types of processor-based devices such as, but notlimited to, digital appliance and DPFs become more commerciallyattractive.

As shown herein, the present invention can be implemented in a number ofdifferent embodiments, including various methods, an appliance, and anarticle comprising a machine-accessible medium having associatedinstructions. Other embodiments will be readily apparent to those ofordinary skill in the art. The elements, algorithms, and sequence ofoperations can all be varied to suit particular requirements.

In view of the disclosure herein, it will be apparent to those skilledin the art how to write suitable software routines that implement thefunctions, features, and GUI discussed above.

The illustrated architecture of the processor-based devices and thehosts described herein are only examples of possible architectures.Embodiments of the present invention are in no way limited to anyparticular architecture for the processor-based devices or the hosts.

FIGS. 1 through 7 are merely representational and are not drawn toscale. Certain proportions thereof may be exaggerated, while others maybe minimized. FIGS. 1-12 illustrate various embodiments of the inventionthat can be understood and appropriately carried out by those ofordinary skill in the art.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the artthat any arrangement or process that is calculated to achieve the samepurpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. Thisapplication covers any adaptations or variations of embodiments of thepresent invention. Therefore, it is manifestly intended that embodimentsof this invention be limited only by the claims and the equivalentsthereof.

It is emphasized that the Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R.§1.72(b) requiring an Abstract that will allow the reader to quicklyascertain the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. It issubmitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpretor limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

In the foregoing Detailed Description of Embodiments of the Invention,various features are grouped together in a single embodiment for thepurpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is notto be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimedembodiments of the invention require more features than are expresslyrecited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect,inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a singledisclosed embodiment. Thus the following claims are hereby incorporatedinto the Detailed Description of Embodiments of the Invention, with eachclaim standing on its own as a separate preferred embodiment.

1. A method comprising: storing a plurality of digital media files on ahost; displaying a thumbnail representation of at least one of thedigital media files on a desktop of the host; detecting a presence ofthe thumbnail representation hovering over a first desktop icon of thedesktop; in response to the presence of the thumbnail representationhovering over the first desktop icon, displaying a first menu toindicate a first plurality of potential media file destinations withoutrequiring a user selection of a destination; detecting a presence of thethumbnail representation hovering over a second desktop icon of thedesktop; in response to the presence of the thumbnail representationhovering over the second desktop icon, displaying a second menu toindicate a second plurality of potential media file destinations withoutrequiring a user selection of a destination; and receiving a usercommand to transfer the at least one digital media file, wherein theuser command specifies a destination processor-based device other thanthe host from either the first or second menus.
 2. The method recited inclaim 1 wherein the user command includes a request to electronicallymail the at least one digital media file.
 3. The method recited in claim1 and further comprising: transferring the at least one digital mediafile to the specified destination processor-based device in response tothe user selection of a destination from the first or second menu. 4.The method recited in claim 3 wherein, in transferring, the at least onedigital media file is transferred to one of a server, a second host, anappliance, and a digital picture frame.
 5. The method recited in claim 4wherein, in transferring, the at least one digital media file istransferred to a second host, and the method further comprises:transferring the at least one digital media file from the second host toone of an appliance and a digital picture frame during a synchronizationevent.
 6. The method recited in claim 4 wherein, in transferring, the atleast one digital media file is transferred as an email.
 7. The methodrecited in claim 4 wherein, in transferring, the at least one digitalmedia file is transferred through the Internet.
 8. The method recited inclaim 3 and further comprising: storing information concerningcharacteristics of the destination processor-based device.
 9. The methodrecited in claim 8 and further comprising: using the information tomodify the at least one digital media file prior to transferring. 10.The method recited in claim 1 and further comprising: adding newprocessor-based device destinations to one or both of the first andsecond menus as the new processor-based device destinations areregistered by the host.
 11. The method recited in claim 1 wherein, inreceiving, a pathname is determined for the digital media file.
 12. Amethod comprising: displaying a digital media file as a thumbnail on adisplay of a handheld, wireless appliance; hovering the thumbnail over adrop spot of the display; displaying a list of destinationprocessor-based devices without requiring a user selection of adestination processor-based device; hovering the thumbnail over anotherportion of the display; hovering the thumbnail over the drop spot again;displaying the list of destination processor-based devices; receiving auser command to transfer the digital media file to one of thedestination processor-based devices on the list; and transferring thedigital media file through an intermediary processor-based device to theone of the destination processor-based devices.
 13. The method recitedin claim 12 wherein, in transferring, the digital media file iswirelessly transmitted to the intermediary processor-based device. 14.The method recited in claim 12 wherein, in transferring, theintermediary processor-based device comprises a first host.
 15. Themethod recited in claim 14 wherein, in transferring, the digital mediafile is modified by the first host to satisfy performancecharacteristics of the one processor-based device.
 16. The methodrecited in claim 14 wherein, in transferring, the digital media file istransferred from the first host to a network server before beingtransferred to the one of the destination processor-based devices. 17.The method recited in claim 16 and further comprising: the networkserver performing a security check.
 18. The method recited in claim 17wherein the security check comprises a comparison with a list ofauthorized buddies.
 19. The method recited in claim 16 wherein, intransferring, the digital media file is transferred from the networkserver to a second host before being transferred to the one of thedestination processor-based devices.
 20. The method recited in claim 19and further comprising: transferring the digital media file from thesecond host to the one of the destination processor-based devices duringa synchronization event.
 21. The method recited in claim 19 and furthercomprising: transferring the digital media file from the second host toone of an appliance and a digital picture frame during a synchronizationevent.
 22. The method recited in claim 12 and further comprising:storing information concerning characteristics of the one of thedestination processor-based devices.
 23. The method recited in claim 22and further comprising: using the information to modify the digitalmedia file prior to transferring.
 24. The method recited in claim 12wherein, in transferring, the digital media file is transferred to theone of the destination processor-based devices through at least one of afirst host, a network server, and a second host.
 25. The method recitedin claim 24 and further comprising: the at least one of a first host, anetwork server, and a second host storing information concerningcharacteristics of the one processor-based device; and the at least oneof a first host, a network server, and a second host using theinformation to modify the digital media file.
 26. A system comprising: aprocessor; and a storage coupled to the processor to store instructionsthat, when executed, enable the processor to receive a user request totransfer a media file from the processor to another processor, toprovide a graphical user interface to detect the presence of a thumbnailcorresponding to the media file hovering over a first desktop icon of adesktop and, in response to the presence of the thumbnail, to display afirst menu to indicate a first plurality of potential media filedestinations without requiring a user selection of a destination, todetect the presence of the thumbnail hovering over a second desktop iconof the desktop, to display a second menu to indicate a second pluralityof potential media file destinations, and in response to receivingselection of a destination, to transfer the media file to the selecteddestination.
 27. The system recited in claim 26 wherein the storagestores instructions to enable the processor to transfer the media fileto the selected destination by detecting a selection of an item in thefirst or second menu.
 28. The system recited in claim 26 wherein thestorage stores instructions to enable the processor to transfer themedia file to a handheld, wireless appliance.
 29. The system recited inclaim 26 wherein the storage stores instructions to enable the processorto transfer the media file to a digital picture frame.
 30. The systemrecited in claim 26 wherein the storage stores instructions to enablethe processor to determine a pathname of the media file corresponding tothe thumbnail dragged over and dropped upon the first or second icon.31. The system recited in claim 26 wherein the storage storesinstructions to enable the processor to transfer the media file over theInternet.
 32. The system recited in claim 26 wherein the storage storesinstructions to enable the processor to transfer information from thesystem to a handheld, wireless appliance in response to asynchronization event.
 33. A method comprising: storing a plurality ofdigital media files on a host, wherein at least a first one of thedigital media files has a first file extension type, and wherein atleast a second one of the digital media files has a second fileextension type; displaying a thumbnail representation of at least one ofthe digital media files on a desktop of the host; detecting a presenceof the thumbnail representation hovering over a consolidated drop spotof the desktop; receiving a user command to transfer the at least onedigital media file; and if the at least one digital media file has thefirst file extension type, transferring the at least one digital mediafile to one of a first sub-group of targets, and if the at least onedigital media file has the second file extension type, transferring theat least one digital media file to one of a second sub-group of targets.34. The method recited in claim 33 wherein, in transferring, the atleast one digital media file is transferred to one of a server, a secondhost, an appliance, and a digital picture frame.
 35. The method recitedin claim 34 wherein, in transferring, the at least one digital mediafile is transferred to a second host, and the method further comprises:transferring the at least one digital media file from the second host toone of an appliance and a digital picture frame during a synchronizationevent.
 36. The method recited in claim 33 and further comprising:storing information concerning characteristics of the destinationprocessor-based device.
 37. The method recited in claim 36 and furthercomprising: using the information to modify the at least one digitalmedia file prior to transferring.
 38. The method recited in claim 33wherein, in receiving, a pathname is determined for the digital mediafile.